Luis Planas increases Spanish contributions to FAO amid presidency bid

Spanish Agriculture Minister Luis Planas has increased Spain's voluntary contributions to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as part of his campaign for the organization's presidency. Supported by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Planas is seeking to succeed the current Director-General, Qu Dongyu, whose term ends in 2027.

Since May, Spain has directed additional funding toward projects involving phytogenetic resources, agricultural biodiversity, and the conservation of global agricultural heritage. Specific contributions include 105,000 euros in June, nearly 200,000 euros approved by the Council of Ministers in July, and 125,440 euros in August for the FAO's Blue Ports program. The Ministry of Agriculture views these contributions as strategic to strengthening Spain's influence within international organizations.